Popular Ghanaian content creator and YouTuber Wodemaya has expressed strong displeasure over comments made by some social media users in Zambia regarding the attire worn by President John Dramani Mahama during his official visit to the country.
President Mahama is currently on a three-day state visit to Zambia, where he is holding high-level diplomatic meetings aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between Ghana and Zambia. The visit focuses on cooperation in areas such as trade, regional stability, and cultural exchange. However, beyond the official engagements, public attention on social media has shifted to the president’s choice of attire.
During the visit, President Mahama was seen wearing a fugu, a traditional Ghanaian smock that is deeply rooted in the culture and heritage of northern Ghana. The garment is widely recognised as a symbol of identity, pride, and African cultural expression, and has often been worn by Ghanaian leaders during important national and international events.
Images and videos of the president in the traditional attire circulated widely online, drawing mixed reactions. While many Ghanaians and Africans praised President Mahama for proudly showcasing Ghanaian culture on an international stage, some social media users, particularly in Zambia, made comments referring to the outfit as a “blouse.”
The remarks quickly triggered backlash from Ghanaians on social media, who described the comments as disrespectful and culturally insensitive. Many argued that traditional African attire should be respected and understood within its cultural context, especially when worn during official diplomatic engagements.
Among those who strongly condemned the remarks was Wodemaya, known for his pan-African advocacy and promotion of African culture through his travel and lifestyle content. The YouTuber did not hide his frustration, expressing disappointment over what he viewed as a lack of cultural respect.
Reacting in a post on Facebook, Wodemaya described the comments as offensive and admitted that he struggled to respond calmly.
“Just woke up reading disgusting comments from Zambians calling Fugu blouse? I keep typing and deleting,” he wrote. “I’m really trying so hard to be diplomatic in my address but extremely difficult,” he added, punctuated with a laughing emoji that many interpreted as masking deep frustration.
Wodemaya’s reaction has since sparked further conversation online, with many users echoing his sentiments and calling for greater cultural awareness and mutual respect among African nations. Others urged calm, noting the importance of dialogue and education in addressing cultural misunderstandings.
The incident has reignited broader discussions about African identity, cultural representation, and respect, particularly in an era where social media amplifies opinions across borders instantly.
As President Mahama continues his official engagements in Zambia, the debate serves as a reminder of the sensitivities surrounding cultural symbols and the need for respectful discourse when engaging with traditions beyond one’s own.
